Wednesday

As the year comes to a close I've been reflecting upon how 2009 has been such a wonderful blogging year for me, making new friends and reconnecting with old friends.

It amazes me to see visitors from nearby, and all around the world! I'm so appreciative of the inspiring connections I've made via the internet since I began blogging, and all that I've learned from others.

I'm in awe that we're fast approaching 600,000 blog hits in such a relatively short period of time. I want to thank each of you for your support through your visits, emails and especially those of you who have signed up to follow my blog, and those who take the time to leave such encouraging comments.

I would like to show my appreciation for all of your incredible support.*

If you follow my blog you probably know my love of blue and white China ~and as a token of thanks I'm having a drawing tor this lovely Willow Blue tea set by Johnson Brothers. The classic Willow Blue china pattern was first popularized in England more than 200 years ago, it is made of fine earthenware.

The set includes 4 teacups, 4 tea saucers, 1 teapot, 1 covered sugar bowl and creamer, and the hatbox is also included.

----> To enter the drawing, all you have to do is leave a comment on this post and

tell me about one of your favorite cold weather comfort foods. <----

~ Bonus!! ~

If you are a follower of my blog, mention it in your post and your name will be entered in the drawing TWICE.

And if you are not a follower, what better time to sign up to follow to double your chances?!

The pesky details:

* ***Important Note:***

Unfortunately, due to shipping restrictions, the drawing is only open to entrants in the contiguous 48 states of the United States, and is void where prohibited by law.

Cannot be shipped to P.O. Boxes.

Entries will be accepted until January 30th, at 9:00 PM, Pacific Time.

Winner will be announced the following week.

(Winning entrant will be chosen by automated random integer generator.)

Winner's information (except internet name) will not be shared, period.

Please free to tell your friends about the drawing.

The more the merrier!

I wish each of you and your loved ones a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!

Thank you again for being a friend of

Once Upon a Plate.

xo ~m

Please click the the logo to go to Susan's "Between Naps on the Porch" lovely blog to see all of the Tablescape Thursday entries!

249 comments:

Oh, gosh, I just ordered this tea set from Wedgewood! How funny! Would love to win one for my Mom.

Well, to go with the theme, one of my cold weather comfort foods would have to be a cream scone with homemade lemon curd and my homemade raspberry jam. That treat, a pot of hot tea, a warm fire, and my dog at my feet all makes for a very enjoyable respite from the cold!

Oh Mari, what a generous gift. I would love this so much. It is beautiful!! I am not surprised that you have had 600,000 hits. You are very unique and a wonderful photographer. I wish you luck through the next 600,000 blogs, because I will be there reading every one. My favorite comfort food in the winter would be french bread and a hearty beef stew.

Mari, I found your blog from "Between Naps on the Porch" and just love it! I am glad that I not only found it but I could win this beautiful little blue willow teaset. I have an antique one and would love this one too. My favorite confort food in the winter...Hmmmmm, that would be many but my favorite thing to do is brew a pot of herbal tea, grab a yummy muffin top and curl up in my easy chair with a blanket and good book. The fireplace aglow and the cat at my feet. Warm, cozy and yummy! Thanks for sharing and I will be following you from now on.

Please enter me in that drawing. I have been a follower for some time. My favorite cold weather food is chili. I also love me some hot chocolate, mac and cheese, chocolate lava cakes, soup, apple pie, cheesecake...umm.

Just a friendly congratulatory note from Monique.. Your visitors are a grateful group..I've learned so much over the years.You are a pleasure to visit~Happy New Year and continued fun with your beautiful blog~

Congratulations on so many blog hits. That's amazing.I would love to win the tea set.My favorite comfort food is Mac & Cheese. In fact it's raining right now, so I may jsut have to make that tonight.Also, I am a follower of your blog.

I love reading your blog, I follow you on Google Reader. My favorite cold weather food is homemade chicken soup. My grandmother always served it with mashed potatoes in the bottom of the bowl. The tea set reminds me of a set she had for us to play with when I was little. Unfortunately, I did not inherit that set. I would really love to win your set as it would always remind me of her. She's been gone for about 20 years now and I still miss her a lot!

Congrats on a wonderful milestone! I can see why you are so popular. I love to visit and get inspiration. I not only follow you, but you are featured as a blog I follow on my blog!Kudos, yea!, way to go and keep it coming!Yvonne

How amazing is 600,000 hits! And what an amazingly wonderful gift to give to someone. I would certainly be thrilled should my name be selected. So yes, please enter my name twice as I'm definitely a follower. As for winter comfort food...how about hot buttered popcorn by the fire.Congratulations and thanks again for sharing this delightful blog....Sarah

What a gorgeous set! Before I went gluten free last year, I used to make something my kids dubbed "Mom's Mess". It was chopmeat, potato crowns, cream of celery soup, shredded cheddar cheese and a little black pepper. You'd cook the potato crowns until done, brown the meat, mix the cream of celery soup {following the directions on the can ~ I did half milk, half water} with the shredded cheddar and pepper. Put the chopmeat on top of the potatoes, then pour the soup and cheese mixture over the whole thing. Filling, warm, delicious. I used to love it and if I can find gluten free potato crowns, I'll make it again!

Congratulations on all the traffic!! Now, you may or not know, but I really love but do not own blue and white china. So, as you can see, it is a case of need with me :) I'll make cookies to go with the tea!! I've been a follower for a long time. Thanks for such a generous giveaway!!

My all time favorite cold weather comfort food is vegetable beef soup...plain and simple but oh so comforting. I have become a follower and would like to enter your drawing for that beautiful tea set...I posted the tea set picture to my blog sidebar with a link back to your giveaway....please let me know if you prefer if I take the picture down.

I am new to the Blog world and to Once Upon a Plate! I am finding so many great ideas and friends in blogdom! What a blessing. I love, love my Johnson Bros Willoware and I am throwing my hat into the ring. All time fav winter comfort food...good old home-made chicken noodle soup.

My favorite cold weather food is Red Beans, Rice and Sausage. And soups. And hot tea. I love comfort foods, especially when the weather is cold. Love the Blue and White! I just signed up as a follower too. Love coming to your blog to see what is new.

How beautiful a tea set! I love all things blue & white or blue ANYTHING! Congrats on reaching that many blog hits. I am a fairly new blogger, so I have no idea how many I have...probably more from me than anyone else.Beckie in Brentwood, TN

Oh a lovely cup of tea with hot crusty bread toasted with lashings of butter, there is nothing like it. I already received this gorgeous tea-set from hubby as an xmas gift so no need to add my name, just wanted to congratulate you, your blog is a thing of beauty, happy new year, Kathy.

Ooooohh! Since I love anything blue, I sure would love some Blue Willow. I have so many favorite cold weather comfort foods.... One of my favorites is baked acorn squash (sliced into rings) with chunky slices of apple in the center, and then honey and butter melted all over it. But then there is also Shepherds pie with lots of gravy in the meat and veggie layer and then it's lovely top layer of swiss cheese and mashed potato... Delicious! Or Lasagna with layers of spinach, ricotta cheese and meat sauce... Yum!! It's hard to pick just one.(I am one of your followers too.)

Congratulations on the success of your blog! I really enjoy following Once Upon a Plate on Google Reader, as well as learning new tasty recipes.

What an absolutely beautiful tea set! I love the colors and especially the pattern too!

My absolute favorite cold weather comfort food is soup. Although I enjoy most any kind, I love to make a big batch of baked potato or french onion (even though there's only two of us) so I can have a leftover bowl(s) the next day.

Hello! I arrived here by way of Susan's Between Naps on the Porch! I've looked around and I've got to tell you, your gallery @ Tastespotting is superb! I saw the one of the homemade girl scout cookies (Samoas!) and was undone by it! Yummo! I'm a believer and I've joined the ranks of your other followers!

My comfort food in cold weather is a toss-up between my gumbo, my potato chowder or my chili! Oh, and don't forget Mexican food - good in any weather! I'm currently visitin in Albuquerque for the holidays and just made the potato chowder tonight for my mother, 2 aunts and an uncle and it was a big hit! (Yay me!)

Okay, I WILL cut this short, because there's already a bunch of people ahead of me, and tons more are sure to follow, and I don't want to keep you up late reading long comments! Nice to meet you!

I have enjoyed following your blog for over a year now. Sometimes you astound me when you take something so simple and make it into something so special. My favorite comfort food would have to be Mac & Cheese. I have learned to make it from scratch and vary the cheeses and toppings when I bake it. Yum, so much better than the boxed stuff. katklaw777 at yahoo dot comThanks for the wonderful giveaway!

I have followed and enjoyed your blog for a long time. It has to be exciting to know you are reaching so many people and so far.Congratulations! I appreciate the recipes as well.Since I am a food lover, it's REALLY hard to pick a favorite cold weather food. I guess I would have to just pick one of a thousand and say clam chowder with fresh sourdough bread.

Here is a Blue Willow Design For Cape Ann Massachusetts including our lobster boats, fishing boats, light houses, breakwater, lobster, fish, scallops, mussels and more. I'd like to help point the designer to where it can be produced into China and was wondering if you could give me a recommendation for someone who could make this happen.

What a beautiful way to introduce food and recipes - You have an excellent flair to accomplish both. I love your blog - food has never looked as good. Thank you for all your efforts in creating and maintaining such a great blog. Happy New Year!

Congratulations on your huge success with your blog. It is so well deserved and I love reading it. YOur always delight. The tea set is just fantastic and what a wonderful giveaway. As you know I am a follower and my favorite comfort food is a big pot of beans and cornbread. Just warms my soul. It has been such a pleasure to have met you this past year and I so look forward to the coming year and more of your wonderful posts. Thanks also for leaving such kind and gracious comments on my blog, you warm my heart. I hope you have a very Blessed and Happy New Year. Hugs, Marty

Congratulations Mari for your blog's success! Thanks for the chance to win this beautiful tea set. I also would give it to my mom as a gift. Any kind of homemade hearty soups and stews are my favorite type of cold weather comfort food. Also, baked loaves and muffins are nice in winter to fill the house with sweet scents and to share with family and friends. Michele

I have been following your blog since August. Congratulations on its success!! I truly enjoy your cooking exploits and love the improvizations -- a true master to my way of thinking. I have tried the pan fried salmon with GREAT SUCCESS!My cold weather comfort food is: old fashioned hot biscuits (like my Gramma used to make) and a bowl of French Onion Soup with gruyere cheese topping. I hope hope I am the winner of this beautiful tea set!

Goodmorning! And Happy New Year's Eve..Day! lol I recently became a follower and subscribe to emails of your blog. I never grow tired of your fantastic photography and lovely recipes you've prepared! I hope you have much continued success in 2010!!

We've all been ill with the flu so what I'm craving most right now in the way of comfort foods is a nice big steaming pot of White Chicken Chili. mmmmmm!

What a generous drawing!! You are a wonderful host to your blog. No wonder you draw so many friends, old & new!!

My favorite cold weather food is... well, I would be hard-pressed to single out just one! But I do love a white chili. I'll be making it very soon and will be happy to pass on the news about your drawing.

I'm sure the new year will bring many more friends to your beautiful blog - How could anyone resist??!

What a great idea! I'm so thrilled to have found your blog this fall (and yes, I immediately became a follower). My favorite cold weather comfort food? Grits with parmesan cheese and butter. Warms and cheers me every time!

Congratulations on the success of your blog Mari. It is so well deserved. I love reading it and am a loyal follower. What a fabulous and generous giveaway! I absolutely love Blue Willow and would like to be entered in your giveaway.

I love blue and white. in fact I have my grandmother's dishes...and pink and white. and any china that is pretty and makes me happy. cold weather comfort food - a tea party with a butter cake from philadelphia (not that I've ever made this but its a gooey delicious treat when home). I am a follower too

Love the white and blue Willow tea set! I have an old blue and white teapot that was my mother's but it is missing the top and had a chip on the spout. Seeing the set on you blog made me think of my mother. Love your blog and I have become a follower :)Kath

Hi there -I discovered your blog through Susan's BNOTP. The blue willow china is dear to my heart-one of my dear aunts has this as her only china. My favorite cold weather food -Yum-is chili-Have a very happy and healthy New Years. Kathy

First of all, I am bookmarking your blog as it looks amazing. I've arrived via Knitting Mania and I do love Blue Willow. I had an inexspensive set given to me years ago. Sadly, what pieces remain serve as kitty dishes. (Please don't hold it against me.)

I am so enjoying your blog and recipes - always seems to be something with a new spin on it! One of my favorite cold weather comfort foods is a crockpot full of a simple beef stew, with a basket of warm yeast rolls waiting on the table. Reminds me of the years when my kids were growing up - it doesn't get much better than that for me! Susan

WOW...!! 600,000. Can't say I'm surprised with all the great recipes you post daily. I love getting them in my email every day. Super give away in my very favorite Blue Willow. I've collected it for many years and have 100's of pieces. Wishing you the best in 2010, Judy

Happy New Year my sweet friend! Can't wait to see and here what you'll dish up today. I'm making a great comfort food of ours - can't have New Year's Day without it. Pork and Sauerkraut!!! Slow roasted in the oven all day. My Mum used to make dumplings after we took the roast out to cool a bit - mmm, nothing better!

I've been a follower of yours this past year and have truly enjoyed getting to know you and reading about the wonderful food that you make.

I've been following your blog for about 6 months but never signed up to be a follower until today. I've recently purchased some Johnson Bros. china and a chintz tea set at separate garage sales. I would love to win the Blue Willow, I've never had any. Congratulations on the 600,000 blog hits. Wow!

I just love your blog site and I visit it everyday to see what is new. I always wanted a tea set, and this one is so lovely. I hope that I am picked. My favorite cook weather food would have to be a pot roast with carrots and potatoes. And, we can't forget about the warm bread on the side. Kelly

WoW! Congrats on your successful blogging! That's quite a milestone. I wish to be entered into your contest. I have a rather large blue and while collection so if I was lucky enough to be the winner I would give this to my newly engaged daughter! She always threatens to "accidentally" take some of my pieces! :) I am a follower of your blog also. And I must tell you I enjoy your recipes so much. I thought I made the best creamed spinach, but after trying yours I now have a new favorite. Happy New Year and congrats again!cmflan122@gmail.com

What a wonderful and gracious giveaway! I'd love to be entered. My favorite wintertime comfort food is steak tips and rice. It's easy (made in the slow cooker) but oh, so delicious! Thanks again for offering this beautiful giveaway.

I have been drinking tea since I could walk. My grandfather was from England so tea was served lik water. I would so love that incredible tea set. It is a thing of beauty! I am so happy for you that you have had so many visitors. Your blog is such a happy and inspiring place to visit and you are a tremendously talented cook and photographer. Thank you for your generosity in ALL you share!!!

Mari I so enjoy your blog and check in often. Your dishes and tablescapes are so great! I'm a new blogger and struggle what to add sometimes but need to get brave and jump in more!!! In the winter my cooking goes toward hearty soups like potato, leaks or spinch with Italian Sausage. I need to start cooking health for my husband and I so my cooking will be heading in a new direction in 2010...which is all good. I wish you the best in 2010. Best regards...

Mari, have enjoyed your blog via BNOTP but have now signed up as a follower since I find myself checking in often. Please enter me in your drawing...the tea set is lovely. As for comfort food - my go to dish is chili and cornbread. My family just loves it on a cold, wintry day. Thanks for your inspiration.

I'm not one to normally enter blog give aways... but blue is a color that works very well around here..lol I'm a follower so please enter me twice... Mr. P loves cheesey potato soup right now.. I seem to make more of it than anything.. Our temps are dipping below zero for the next couple of nights..might have to throw in some chili has well.. Happy New Year my friend..hugs ~lynne~

What fabulous blue dishes. I've been a follower for a long time now, so I'd love to be entered in your giveaway. My all time favorite for a cold wintery day is onion fondue soup. It's been a favorite of mine since I was a small child. My mother used to go to the Hamburger Hamlet after work and bring it home for me especially when I was sick.

I am a follower and often see you on Foodgawker. What a gorgeous tea set! Thanks for the giveaway. Favorite cold weather food is soup. Tonight it is freezing and windy in VA. I made Potato Chowder with cheddar, parmesan cheese and bacon. Perfect!

I would love to win such a beautiful tea set. In fact a cup of tea is one of my favorite things to have with my chosen comfort food, a hot crisp bacon sandwich in the early morning, on a cold day. I am now a follower of your blog.

Wow, beautiful tea set. If I win this perhaps I could attempt to make a beautiful table scape as you do! (In my dreams!) Next to Michael Ruhlman's blog, yours is one I go to on a daily basis! Happy New Year!!

My favorite cold foods are soups-potato cheese or potato and corn or vegetable soup with a big skillet of cornbread.I also love mac and cheese, potato au gratin, comfort foods. Umm.Please enter me in the giveaway and stop by Bloggeritaville when you can!

Just re-visiting your awesome blog. I simlpy love all the recipes you send out daily and have tried quite a few. My favorite comfort food is CHILI... I've always loved it and my Dad would always tell everyone who would listen how much I loved chili. So even as a child it was my comfort food. My Dad was a terrific cook and bread maker/baker. I miss him so much.

I became a follower of your blog about 3 seconds after I clicked on your first photo! I can't tell you all the wonderful ways that you have inspired me to create more interesting meals with your recipes, set more beautiful tables with your gorgeous ideas & take clearer, more interesting photos because of your fantastic photography! I thank you for all that you inspire.

My favorite cold weather comfort foods have to be heaty soups....ham & bean or potato or clam chowder....anything thick & steaming in a BIG bowl with crusty bread along side. We just finished some, as a matter of fact! :-) Its cold & snowing here in Ohio.

I would love to win that precious Blue Willow china tea set, since my sweet granddaughter, Caroline & I enjoy having tea parties when she visits. You would laugh to see how carefully she adds her 2 sugar cubes & always tells me "I like it sweet, Nana!". She stirs & the taps her spoon twice, very gently on the cup edge. Every time....always twice. Too cute!

Even if I don't win, you can be sure I'll be back to visit again & again.

I have a BLUE AND WHITE kitchen! I love Blue Willow. Some of my Comfort Foods are... An Ooey Gooey Grilled Cheese sandwich with Cream of Tomato Soup. Another is Mac and Cheese with Stewed Tomatoes. Nancy from OHIO

Hi Mari:I became a follower (which I would have done without your drawing, but now I'm really glad I did!). I've also added you to my blog roll so I can follow your posts. Finally, I added your giveaway to my blog sidebar. I'm already a fan! I'll be back to visit. Hope you'll stop in and say "hi" at Brynwood, too.xoxoDonna

Hi! Your blog is new to me...found you via a link from Baking Bites for a recipe. I spotted your giveaway and would love to be entered. I'm also looking forward to browsing your site! Thanks very much!

I love to make Italian Bread Wedges for lunch on a cold day - so hot and yummy! They're basically like a white pizza, with garlic and spices sprinkled on a Italian-dressing-covered crust, topped with parmesan and mozzerella cheese.

600,000 blog hits? Wow! Congrats! This is a beautiful Blue Willow tea set and I hope I get a chance to win. And of course, I have been a follower of yours for a while now. And lastly, my favorite food when it is cold is chicken noodle soup. I like to have it when I am sick too, which usually happens around the Christmas holidays....Christine

Oh I would love to enter. Pick me. Pick me. My favorite cold weather comfort food would probably be potato soup or chili. Guess it depend on how much time I had to cook it. I will write about this on my blog and become a follower. I just found you today. I have already put you on fav's list. I'll be back. Have a Blessed Day,Sherry

Love your blog, thank you for the chance to win the tea set. My grandmother had blue willow dishes, wish they had come to my mother, ah well. They would remind me of grandma every time I used them. Thank you again! Beverly

I am a brand new subscriber to your blog! I discovered you on Susan's between naps on the porch. I am a southern gal from North Carolina and around here we love a big pot of bubbling chicken and dumplin's. Now dumplin's are not the same thing as those thin strips of pastry. Dumplin's are clumps of gooey dough dropped on top of the chicken stew while it is still cooking. In about 20 minutes you have a thick, hearty pot of divine goodness that will keep you warm the rest of the day or night.

SO-O-O, please, please send me that beautiful blue and white tea set so I can enjoy a nice pot of tea with my chicken and dumplin's.

5-Star Portobello "Pepper-Steak" ~ Vegetarian

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About my recipes ~

Hi and welcome! I'm a long-time cook and tend to improvise often, adjusting recipes to my own taste. Usually I'll describe how I put the dish together so you can make it the way you like it.

I have cataloged some of the recipes in a printable format on my recipe blog, Once Upon a Plate ~ the recipes.Please LEFT-MOUSE click HEREif you would like to see what is available there.

Thank you so much for stopping by, and for any comments you would like to share. I read and appreciate every one! :)